Jackson's Journey
Jackson's foster dad has beautifully written about Jackson's journey from his horrid puppymill days to his days in foster and recovery, and included some great photos that help tell the story.
Read it here: Jackson's Journey
May 19, 2008
May 12, 2008
Punkin - packed in a chicken crate at Amish puppy mill auction
Punkin was purchased from an Amish Swap Meet where he was being sold as a breeder stud. He & 5 other dogs were crammed into a chicken crate. The lady, who purchased Punkin, wanted him for a pet & thought she was saving him, until she realized that he had multiple, severe health issues she was unable to afford. Punkin was surrendered to NBSTR on 2-10-07. Evaluation by the Vet & a Cardiologist, revealed that Punkin has severe, inoperable heart disease. Punkin also has severely deformed hind legs, inoperable because of his heart, which resulted from miller neglect.
Punkin has the soul and spirit of a giant and gives no attention to his infirmities. When trying to walk on all 4's become laborous for him, he walks on his front paws with his tail in the air like a little circus performer. He is a little love bug, who charms all he meets. He is wary of strangers, and at a whopping 4 pounds, performs like a giant watch dog & protector when strangers enter his world.
Punkin will live out whatever time we are granted with him in his foster home in OH, where the sun rises and sets on him.
Why do we help dogs like Punkin? Visit Why Paws and Hands? Donate toward Punkin's medical expenses!
Or, you may send a check or money order to: NBSTR PO Box 63 Greendale WI 53129 *Be sure to note "Punkin" in the memo line of your check
You can also set up a Monthly Sponsorship for Punkin. Thank you!!
Pepper Pete has gone to Rainbow Bridge
On 5/2/08 Sharon writes:
Our brave warrior, Pepper Pete, is free at last to soar with the angels, run to greet Robin, and romp with all who have gone before him.
Pepper Pete left me this morning, vet assisted, in my arms, gently and peacefully.
About midnight last night he had another terrible episode. I carried him to his soft bed and laid on the floor with him while he was comatose for several hours.
He was up this morning, barely, refusing his meds in is favorite liver sausage, unable to potty, unwilling to walk ... it was time, and our gentle boy let me know.
Our sweet and gentle boy, who fought so valiantly to stay, has found peace and comfort at last.
To each of you who sent me such wonderful posts about him ... I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know you are with us in spirit today, which gave me the courage to love Pepper Pete ... home.
Blessings to you all!
Sharon H - NBSTR - OH
Phoenix has gone to Rainbow Bridge
On 5/6/08 Bekye writes:
IN LOVING MEMORY: with a heavy heart and many tears, John and I said good-bye to our brave and wonderful Phoenix on Sunday. http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com/personaltribute.php?ID=72058
Lettie - Update
Lettie had surgery on May 3 to have her left eye removed - the glaucoma had really set in and her eye was very painful. Thanks to her caring vet, Lettie came out of surgery just fine and is recovering very well in her foster home.
She gets around as if she could still see, and has recovered some of her playfulness. Her foster mom is very grateful to NBSTR for allowing her to get the help she needs, enabling her to continue to live a life in which she is happy and loved. Her surgery costs were $402.00
May 01, 2008
Phoenix update 4/28/08
Bekye writes: Cosmo who is undergoing Cushings treatment and is suffering typical old age ailments (eyes don't work, legs don't always work, bowels sometimes work too well) comforts Phoenix who is chilled after a trip outside and his nightly sub-q fluids. Phoenix did not eat tonight so we are on high alert quality-of-life watch. For now, however, he is sleeping quietly, warmed by my sweatshirt and his friend Cosmo who is pretty independent. Cosmo has not before snuggled with anyone. New kid Franklin just came over and licked Phoenix's eyes. The sweetness of these little souls is truly humbling. I feel very blessed.
Phoenix update 4/26/08
Today Bekye writes: Phoenix is hanging in there. He loves to go outside. He only ate a little last night but just now he was in the kitchen with the others, and he did not turn down liversausage. I am fixing to feed in a little bit and hopefully he will want his supper.
Phoenix Update: 4/25/08
Today Bekye writes:
Phoenix had an okay day today. He did not greet me at the door, but when I woke him up he did go outside to potty, Then he ate a respectable dinner. Then he slept.
A little while ago he got up and wanted to go outside. He is shaky and weak, so I didn't want him to go out in the rain. I put him on a piddle pad. He stood there and shook. Finally I took him outside and he walked to the grass, and piddled. Then he trotted over to me as if to say, "Hey mom, it's wet out here! Can we go inside?"
Poor little soul is dying, and yet he is not going to piddle in the house.
He is now asleep on a dog bed in my office. What an incredibly wonderful little dog he is. I only wish I could have gotten to him sooner.
Thanks for listening ~
Phoenix Update - Medical Prognosis: Grave 4/22/08
Bekye writes: "Please keep Phoenix in your prayers" after learning the following:
Okay, there is a bit of good news in the saga of my little train wreck. He can extricate bits of dog biscuit from under a seatbelt and was quite proud of his accomplishment. He ate supper and went outside.
He is sweet and loving and lovable. That's the good news.
The rest of it is bad. At the bottom of his chart, Dr. Farris wrote "Prognosis: Grave." And it is.
Phoenix does have Cushings Disease but that isn't the worst of it. He is also in end stage renal failure. His urine is totally dilute; no toxins are being flushed out of his system. All three kidney values were off the charts.
Dr. Farris says he is too far gone to turn him around with IV therapy and diet ...and of course his condition is complicated by the Cushings and possible cancer ... with the location of the tumor it is likely he has Adrenal Cushings rather than Pituitary Cushings ... and Adrenal Cushings is nearly always associated with a cancerous tumor. And he has many tumors, in addition to the evil looking one hanging down from his chest.
They gave him IV fluids to keep him comfortable. Dr. Farris believes, left to his own devices, he has days, maybe even a week or two ... but not much more than that. It's basically straight downhill from here.
I brought him home tonight. He deserved better than being dumped when he was old and sick. I cannot give him a wonderful new beginning, but so long as he wants to eat and wag his tail, I can give him love, a soft bed and warm food ... even for just a day or two or five. I don't want to push him, I don't want him to suffer ... but I want to do something meaningful for him if I can.
